Frequently Asked Questions

Opportunity like this doesn’t come along often, so we know you may have questions.

Select a category:

Where do I get an application?

Your first step is to fill out a Student Interest Form. After you fill out the interest form, we will contact you via email with next steps, which will include an open house, an application, and an interview. To access the Student Interest Form, click here. For more information on the application process see the Admissions page for your location.

When does the program begin?

We run two sessions per year: One begins in September and the other begins in March.

How much does it cost to join Year Up?

The entire Year Up program is free of charge. We ask that you come ready to work hard every day and have a positive and professional attitude.

Do I get paid while I’m in Year Up?

Year up recognizes that our participants need to be able to provide for themselves and/or their families. You will earn a stipend between $150 and $280 per week throughout the entire program.

Is there a dress code? Do I have to wear a uniform?

Although we won’t ask you to wear a uniform, you will be required to follow a dress code. Our dress code is professional: no jeans, t-shirts, sneakers or sweatshirts allowed.

What does Year Up expect from me?

Year up expects that you come willing to work hard, to be challenged, and to succeed. We expect you to conduct yourselves in a professional manner at all times. You will be asked to sign a contract detailing our policies as well as acceptable behavior. We will expect you to abide by this contract at all times. Finally, we expect you to learn a lot and to have fun doing it!

Does Year Up guarantee that I will get a job once I’m done?

While Year Up does not guarantee that you will get a job after completing the program, 85% or our graduates are employed or attending college full-time within four months of graduating. You will have an opportunity to prove yourself, put the skills you have learned to use, build strong references, and gain some professional work experience for the future.

Do I need to know a lot about computers in order to get accepted into the program?

Although Year Up will focus heavily on technical skills, you don’t have to have these skills in order to apply. You will be required to have some basic computer skills such as using the keyboard, the mouse, the internet, etc. You will also be required to take a technical and writing evaluation as part of the admissions process.

Do I need straight A(s) or high test scores to get into Year Up?

During the admission and interview process, your grades are one of many components we will look at to get a sense of what kind of participant you will be. However, less focus will be placed on your grades and test scores. More important to us is whether you can work hard, and are willing to do so in order to be successful.

How does the admissions process work?

This process varies among locations. Please check the Admissions page of your location for more detail.

When will I be notified if I’m accepted?

This process varies among locations. Please check the Admissions page of your location for more detail.

What will I be learning at Year Up?

All Year Up sites offer training programs in Information Technology. In addition, Year Up Boston and Year Up New York offer training in Financial Operations, and Year Up Bay Area and Year Up New York offer Quality Assurance. Students choose one area of focus and are placed on an internship in that field after completing their training. You will also take classes to build your professional skills, such as Business Communications, Customer Service, and Business Essentials. For more about what you will learn in each track and the possible internships and career paths in each, please see the following pages:

Do I get to choose my own classes?

Every Year Up participant is required to go through a core curriculum. This allows you to make an informed decision about your area of study. Depending upon which learning site you join, you will then pursue one of several paths based on your demonstrated skills, interests and current market needs. These paths include Investment Operations, Desktop Support / IT Help Desk, Quality Assurance, Project Management, and Customer Service.

Do I have to have a computer at home?

No, you don’t have to have a computer at home to be accepted into the program.

How many students will be in the class?

At Year Up, we want to keep the classes small so that you can get individual attention. We accept approximately 40 students per cycle in each learning community, usually creating two classes of 20 students each. In 2014, we will serve approximately 2,100 students across the country.

Where will the internships be? Do I get to decide where I will do my internship?

After the first six months of the program, and if you have successfully completed all of the required work, you are placed in an internship with a company that needs your skills. Although you won’t get to choose the company, our staff has done a lot of research and has met with each organization to analyze their needs and determine whether you would fit those needs.

What if is there is no Year Up in my city? Can I still apply?

Not at this time. Unfortunately, you must live near a Year Up site to attend the Year Up program.

I am over 24 years old. Can I still apply to Year Up?

Year Up serves young adults who are between 18 and 24 years old, where a successful transition from school to the economic mainstream is critical but where few alternatives to the “traditional” college-to-career pathway exist. While we’d like to be able to work with people of all ages seeking opportunity, at this time we are focusing on this age group as that is where we can most effectively deploy our resources. Year Up makes every effort to refer those who do not qualify for our program to other organizations and resources for which they are eligible.

Student FAQs

Application process

When is the next application deadline? Can I make an appointment with the admissions team?

Year Up has a rolling admissions process. We encourage you to apply early because spaces can fill up quickly. We begin a new cohort every six months, so if you don’t make it into the current class, we encourage you to apply for the next. Visit the location page for the location nearest you to view class start dates.

How do I apply to Year Up?

The first step is to attend an info session, so that you can learn more about the program. You can sign up online and attend either in-person or online. Next, you’ll complete the application (which we’ll send you), attend an interview, and complete an academic assessment. If you’re applying to one of our college-based locations, you will need to apply to the college and complete the FAFSA. Don’t worry. If that sounds intimidating, our admissions team can help. They will provide more details as you progress.

I applied to Year Up before, but didn’t enroll. How do I reapply to Year Up?

To reapply to Year Up, contact your local Year Up Admissions Office. Reapplication varies by campus.

What is the process to refer a young adult to Year Up?

We plan to have an applicant tracking process for referrals soon, but in the meantime, simply send the young adult to our website to sign up for an info session and learn whether Year Up is right for them.

Benefits

Am I guaranteed a full-time job after I graduate?

Although Year Up does not guarantee a full-time job after graduation, we do have a dedicated team that is committed to helping you get a job after graduation. With that support, 90% of our graduates are employed or pursuing post-secondary education within 4-months of graduation.

Am I guaranteed an internship?

100% of qualified students are placed in internships. To be qualified, you must be in good standing and demonstrate career readiness. We set very clear expectations and coach you every step of the way to ensure you always know where you stand.

How much money can I make after Year Up?

Salaries vary, but a recent study found that our participants earn 53% more, on average, than their peers who don’t join Year Up. Our recruitment teams can share the average hourly wage in your region. Of course, salary isn’t a guarantee. It’s up to you to secure a job upon graduation.

Year Up seems too good to be true. How do I know this is a legit program?

Come to an information session and meet real students and staff who can talk to you about how Year Up enables career change. Or research us online – check out our social media channels, our features in top newspapers and publications, or take a look at our research and evaluation page. The federal government has funded studies to ensure we’re delivering on our promise to help young adults like you start life-changing careers. And if all else fails, maybe Barack Obama will convince you.

College Credit

I have an international college degree. Can I still apply to Year Up?

Yes, in most cases you are still eligible for Year Up if you have a college degree from an international university. International college degrees often don’t provide the same advantage of U.S. college degrees, so we will evaluate your application on a case-by-case basis.

Are all of the courses offered by Year Up eligible for college credit?
Year Up offers either college credits or college credit recommendations, depending on the campus. If you enroll at a Year Up location housed at a college, you will receive college credit directly through the college. If you enroll at a stand-alone Year Up campus, you’ll receive credit recommendations recognized at over 2000 higher education institutions nationwide.

I want to continue my college education. Can I go to school while attending Year Up?
At many of our locations, you will be dually enrolled with our college partner, receiving up to 31 college credits from your college and Year Up courses. At Year Up locations that are not based at a college partner, you will be eligible for college credit recommendations that are recognized at over 2000 higher education institutions nationwide. While you can take additional classes, we don’t recommend it. Past students have found it difficult to balance.

Cost/Stipend

Is Year Up free?
Year Up is offered at no cost to you. As a non-profit we’re not in this to make money. We’re in it for you. In fact we offer you an educational stipend to help offset your basic expenses. In locations where we partner with colleges, you will still be responsible for college tuition and fees, but we work with you to receive grants and funding that can cover college costs.

I have bills to pay. Will I be able to work while attending Year Up? Will the stipend be enough for me to live on?
Yes, many students work part time jobs during evenings or weekends while attending Year Up. It can be challenging to balance, but it’s possible. While the stipend won’t replace a full-time job, it will help offset some of your basic expenses. If you are worried about your income, our student services staff has experience discussing part time jobs for students and can help you develop a plan that will enable your success at Year Up and ensure you can cover your expenses.

Will I get paid during the internship phase?
Yes, you will receive regular stipend payments during the year-long program, and the stipend increases during your internship. The stipend won’t replace a full-time job, but it can help offset some of your basic expenses.

How much is the stipend payment and how is it paid out?
The stipend varies by campus and increases during the internship phase of the program. It is generally distributed every two weeks, via either check or direct deposit.

I’m not sure I’ll be able to pay for transportation every day. Can Year Up help me with transportation?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Although we do not have a rides to work program, our Student Services team works with students who may need financial support for transportation.

Diversity Initiative

Does Year Up support people of all races, religions, genders, and abilities?
Year Up is proud to offer a safe space to all. We embrace diversity of all kinds and actively work to support diversity in the classroom and the workforce. If you require accommodation (for example, based on religion or ability), we will work to support you in whatever way we can.

Eligibility

Why do I need work authorization?
Our internship partners require some kind of work authorization, which is why it is a Year Up requirement. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can automatically work in the U.S. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, we welcome various forms of work authorization, including DACA status. We strongly support DACA and have dedicated resources if you have DACA status.

Is there an age requirement to join Year Up?
Minimum age limit: Year Up’s internship requirements for students require you to be 18 years old before the first day of your internship. This is because there are different employment laws for adults and children. You may apply and enroll in the program at age 17, as long as your 18th birthday occurs prior to the start of internship. Maximum age limit: you must not be over the age of 24 when you are accepted into the program. You may turn 25 over the course of the year-long program, as long as you are no older than 24 at the time of acceptance.

I have college experience, am I still eligible to attend Year Up?
Yes, many of our students have some college but no degree. As long as you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you qualify for Year Up and may find that it’s a great opportunity to improve upon your college education.

Does Year Up consider applicants from international high schools?
Yes, we accept international students with either international or U.S. high school diplomas or GEDs.

I’m over 24. Why does Year Up only accept 18 – 24 year olds?
We work with 18-24 year olds because that age range provides a pivotal time to support young adults through successful transitions from school into the economic mainstream, and toward long-term success. Our partners also require interns to be 18 or older. Investment in this age group has been limited. With few viable alternatives to the traditional college-to-career pathway, we’re proving that young adults can succeed via a more direct path to a career. Through our partner, Grads of Life you can search for other workforce training providers in your area.

Why does Year Up have an academic assessment? I thought this was different than school? What if I didn’t do well in high school?
We require a basic academic assessment to see where you’re starting. If we know where you are, we can better support you. We expect you to try your best, but it also isn’t something you should worry about. It’s ok if you didn’t get “good” grades in high school. There are many types of assessment in education. With this assessment, we just want to understand your needs better.

Can I apply to Year Up while still in High School?
Yes, you may apply to Year Up while still in high school or GED classes as long as you will receive your diploma or GED before Year Up orientation.

What if I don’t qualify for FAFSA or have pre-existing student debt, can I still apply?
Yes, we review financial aid on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to bring this up with a member of our admissions team, and they can advise.

Why does Year Up do a background check?
Misdeamenor or juvenile records have no impact on your application to Year Up, but do need to be disclosed to the companies where students are placed for their internship. We work closely, in partnership with our corporate partners, to support young adults with a criminal record as best we can.

Can I participate in Year Up if I’m pregnant?
Year Up does not practice pregnancy discrimination. Pregnancy will not factor into any adverse decision. For more information, contact Charmaine Peart-HoSang (cpeart@yearup.org)

Logistics

Can I participate in Year Up if I don’t live near a Year Up location? Do you offer online classes?
Year Up is an in-person program, and we do not offer online classes at this time. You must be able to regularly attend, in-person. Find the location nearest you.

What is the time commitment for Year Up students?
Year Up is a one-year commitment, Monday – Friday. Hours vary slightly based on location, but roughly mirror traditional business hours. Attend an info session to learn the exact hours at the location nearest you.

I have a family that I support, and I’m worried about the time commitment. Will I be able to balance Year Up with my family commitments?
Yes, many of our students have children or family members they support. Our Student Services team can provide resources and help you plan for your family support needs so that you can be successful at Year Up.

Does Year Up help with housing?
Year Up does not provide housing, but our Student Services team can provide resources, connect you to housing opportunities, and help you find a solution, on a case-by-case basis. We work with other community organizations when needed, to ensure this isn’t a barrier to your success.

Does Year Up have a dress code?
Yes, Year Up upholds a business attire dress code, which we define in detail during orientation. If you don’t have professional clothing, don’t worry. We can recommend sources for affordable professional clothing and we have clothing closets with high quality, donated professional clothing available at no cost to you.

What is Year Up’s attendance policy?
Year Up sets high expectations for attendance. We expect you to arrive on time, each day, with the exception of pre-determined holidays. We know things come up, so we offer a small number of personal days for those times. Late arrivals or additional absence beyond those allowed will have an impact on your performance in program, which we discuss, in detail, during orientation, so that you know exactly what to expect.

Tracks

What courses does Year Up offer?
Our training offerings and internships vary by locations, and may change each cycle, depending on the needs of our corporate partners. Visit the location page of the location nearest you, to see what options are available for the current recruitment cycle.

Do I get to choose my specialty?
You’ll share your top specialty choices when you apply. Everyone learns the same basic skills to start. Then, based on your interest, the observations of your instructors and advisors, and available internship opportunities, we’ll place you into a specialty that will be the best fit.Visit the location page of the location nearest you, to see what options are available for the current recruitment cycle.

Can I switch my specialty after training has started?
No, you cannot change specialties once you have been assigned. But we work very hard to ensure your specialty will be the right fit for you.

Corporate Partner FAQs

How is Year Up different from other workforce development programs?
Year Up is more than a workforce development organization, it’s a strategic partner that provides leading companies with a competitive advantage. One key differentiator is our professional skills training. Professional success often depends upon soft skills that are difficult to teach and often ignored. Year Up has honed its soft skills training to deliver confident, accountable, professional young adults who exceed corporate expectations. The Opportunity Youth we work with bring diversity to companies, and we find that our graduates stay in jobs, on average, twice as long as their peers. Finally, we work closely with companies to ensure our training will meet their hiring needs. These unique elements come together to create a new kind of professional training program, and our outcomes prove it.

Is there a minimum commitment to get started?
No, there is no minimum number of interns required, but corporate partners interested in starting with a pilot program have found great success when hosting 3-5 interns to start.

What percentage of Year Up interns end up getting hired?
On average, 42% of interns are hired by their internship host company. This does not include Year Up alumni who are hired by a partner company for which they did not intern. 90% of our graduates are employed and/or enrolled in post-secondary education within four months of completing the program.

My company is looking for folks with more experience. Can we still work with Year Up?
Yes, YUPRO (Year Up Professional Resources) is a talent placement and professional development organization that exclusively places Year Up alumni with a range of job experience. YUPRO assesses their experience and strengths, and uses professional coaching to ensure their success. Their metrics far surpass the industry average, with 95% customer satisfaction, and with 70% of our contractors receiving extensions or conversions to permanent employees. Learn more here.

Can Year Up’s curriculum be modified to meet our company’s needs?
Yes, when the right opportunity arises. Our curriculum is driven by market demand and corporate partner hiring needs. We start by training in areas where we have seen the most market demand. As we engage further with your organization and develop a deeper understanding of your entry-level talent needs, we can evaluate our training offerings to determine whether offering new training specialties makes sense for our students and partners. That could lead to collaboration in co-developing custom training and/or piloting with a group of interns.

How do I partner with Year Up?
You can get involved by hosting Year Up interns or hiring Year Up graduates. Together, we implement our successful internship program, so that your company can gain access to a pipeline of entry-level talent who you can train and work with for six months before deciding whether to extend an offer. You may also hire a Year Up graduate for your immediate recruitment needs.

Does Year Up work with Master Service Providers (MSP)?
Yes, Year Up engages with several MSPs across a variety of partners. We are happy to review our process for engaging with MSPs and discuss how to effectively engage with your company and any MSP that is currently in place.

When do Year Up participants start their internships? What if my needs don’t line up with Year Up’s start dates?
New cohorts of interns start twice a year, with exact dates varying by location. For more information on the location(s) nearest to you, contact us.

When do Year Up participants start their internships? What if my needs don’t line up with Year Up’s start dates?
New cohorts of interns start twice a year, with exact dates varying by location. For more information on the location(s) nearest to you, contact us.

What is the cost to host an intern?
The costs may vary by market. Corporate partners make a financial investment in Year Up, on a per intern basis, commensurate with entry-level talent costs. There is no fee associated if your company decides to hire your interns at the conclusion of their internships. Contact us for more information.

Volunteer FAQs

My company is interested in corporate sponsorship. How do we get started?

Please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204 and they will connect you to the local representative in your market.

Does Year Up offer corporate volunteer or other large group volunteer opportunities?

Yes, whether hosted by Year Up or by your organization, Year Up welcomes opportunities to work with corporate and other large groups of volunteers. Mock interviews, resume reviews, elevator pitch competitions, and networking opportunities are typical opportunities for groups, and we can collaborate with your organization on an opportunity that serves your group and our young adults. Share your interest to get involved.

How can I make a planned gift?
If you would like to include Year Up in your will or trust, please contact our Investor Relations team at (857) 702-0204. We are happy to assist with any of your planning needs.

I travel a lot. Can I still sign up to be a mentor?
Yes, our mentorship program is designed for busy professionals. We ask mentors to communicate with their mentees weekly and meet in-person once per month. But it is ok to meet virtually as well.

How can I find out if my employer will match my donation to Year Up?
Many employers will match charitable gifts made by their employees. Enter your employer’s name at the link to see if they offers an employee charitable giving match.

What volunteer opportunities does Year Up offer?
If you are looking to volunteer locally, Year Up offers volunteer opportunities across a range of commitment levels. As a mentor or tutor, you can work one-on-one with a student or intern on a weekly, ongoing basis. We also offer one-off opportunities to be a guest speaker or to help our students hone their professional skills through events such as mock interviews, resume reviews, networking receptions, and more. Sign up to learn more about how to be a mentor/volunteer.

I’d like to be a guest speaker. How can I sign up?
We look for exemplary professionals with inspirational or informative stories, who can speak to a range of professional development topics and experiences. You can share your interest and a local volunteer manager will reach out to you.

How can I sign up to give a regular monthly donation?
When making a donation at www.yearup.org/donate simply select, “I want to make this a recurring donation.”

Can I have a copy of my tax receipt for my philanthropic gift to Year Up?
Yes, please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204.

How can I make a donation to Year Up?
To make a donation to Year Up electronically, you may complete the online donation form here: https://www.yearup.org/donate/. If you would prefer to make a donation by mail, please send a check made out to Year Up to the following address: Year Up National Office Investor Relations 45 Milk St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 Contact donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204 with any questions

Can I make an in-kind donation to Year Up?
es, Year Up gratefully accepts gifts in-kind such as business professional attire and accessories, technology equipment, business or school supplies, professional services, and other items that support the Year Up program. Federal law provides that clothing and goods must be in ‘good used condition or better’ for tax deductions. All qualifying contributions to Year Up are tax-deductible and Year Up will provide a receipt for your tax records. To inquire about making an in-kind donation or to obtain a receipt, please contact donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204.

How does Year Up protect the privacy of its financial and in-kind donors?

Year Up is committed to respecting the privacy of its financial and in-kind donors, whether the donation is made online, by mail, or any other method. We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations unless a donor has given us specific permission to do so.

Credit card transactions on the Year Up website are processed by Classy. Classy uses a secure cloud architecture, strong encryption, strict access requirements, and multiple security measures to protect sensitive data. The transactions are governed by Classy’s Privacy Policy. Year Up may communicate with you by sending electronic quarterly newsletters or other email notices. Some of these services are provided by Constant Contact and are governed by CONSTANT CONTACT’S PRIVACY POLICY. Year Up will only send these messages to you if you have expressed an interest in the organization. If you received a message in error, or no longer wish to receive communications from Year Up, you may opt-out of future mailings by selecting “unsubscribe” at the bottom of each message.

To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.

Can I raise money for Year Up through Facebook’s fundraising tool?
Year Up is an approved charitable organization through Facebook, and receives 100% of donations made via the Facebook donation button. Individuals may create fundraisers through their personal Facebook account and raise money for Year Up. To do this, Create a Fundraiser from Year Up’s Facebook page.

Can I make a donation to Year Up in honor of/in memory of a specific individual or group?
Yes, Year Up accepts tribute gifts and donors may dedicate their gift to a specific individual or group. When giving through the online donation form, you may check the optional specification ‘I want to dedicate my gift’ and type in the individual, family, or group that you would like to recognize. To contact someone directly about making a tribute gift, email donate@yearup.org or call (857) 702-0204 to speak with a member of our Investor Relations Team.

Can I include Year Up in my will or trust?
Year Up is happy to assist with any of your planning needs, including will or trust inclusion and eligible IRA contributions. Please contact our Investor Relations Team at donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204 for more information.